Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has explained how he’s dealt with the issue of playing behind a back four, which has changed constantly this season.

United have been forced to deal with injuries and suspensions in their defence throughout the season, which has left their number one facing the difficult task of regularly controlling different defenders.

“It obviously makes things very difficult but that’s football and it’s my job to be able to adapt to different situations. As a goalkeeper it’s important to form a good understanding with your back four and become familiar with each other’s positions on the pitch,” he explained to United’s website.

“It’s difficult when the players aren’t there but you have to adapt and concentrate on your job. The experience has definitely helped me improve.”

De Gea has been one of the most consistent players at a club, which has endured a difficult start to the season.

His performances have seen him rise in prominence in terms of the Spanish national team with some even questioning Louis van Gaal’s decision to overlook him for the Manchester United captaincy.

United’s results don’t tell the whole picture because he’s routinely made world class saves and produced top quality contributions in matches where United have been unlucky not to walk away with three points.

His comments suggest that if United can find a settle back four after the New Year and any potential January additions, the side should be well organised at the back and very difficult to break down.

United’s defence is only one goal worse than Arsenal so far this season and barring the capitulation against Leicester City, would be much more positively looked at when reviewing the side so far this season.

De Gea is there to stay and LvG’s task is to create a settled defence in front of him, which he can control and get the best out of.

Lewis Doe

Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.Lewis is HITC Sport's La Liga correspondent.